Enjoy Being Alone - A lil too much ?!?

 
''What did you do this summer vacation?'' asked a colleague.  When I replied,'' I spent time with my family'' her face a drew a blank expression while she continued,  ''And then,  what did you do for yourself?"  I responded, "Well, we had a great time visiting some relatives with whom we lost touch for quite sometime now. " That's great!" she smiled and went on, 

" But, you definitely have to spend more time with yourself and explore your inner needs. There's so much one can do! Travel alone, meditate, explore your playlist, have a colorful bath, declutter a room, take yourself out for a solo date..so many options to rejuvenate your mind and body "  I was baffled and speechless because my idea of alone time never exceeded half a day, may be a morning at the parlor or binge watch a Netflix series.  Apparently,  having a regular slow bath than the quick work time shower or the regular house cleaning is not considered as a worthy mention in the 'me' time anymore.  While solo trips and solo dates are not my thing,  travelling with my family was a high priority 'me' time for me! 

It is OK to love your own company, certainly NOT GREAT , if you are doing it often. There is a growing need to normalize this emotion and make it a virtue that one should nurture and imbibe.  The social media is abuzz with posts and quotes that glorify living   friendless , people less and talks about how its best to enjoy your own company rather than being with the wrong ones.  But why should we always land with the wrong ones?! 

The burning desire to invest in this idea, to be alone, to relish and reminisce the beautiful moments in solitude is overrated. On the contrary, today, our homes in the modern society have become the perfect examples of community living, where we live in large numbers, share the same facilities and work towards the betterment of our community,  even compete with other communities to show off that ours is the best. What a paradox!

It is natural for a person to take sometime off and shut into their own world to have some peace and quiet.  But when this becomes your lifestyle, I warn you,  its worrisome and not healthy.  When you choose to have your own company for too long a time,  you are subjected to a disconnect from others, therefore increasing your potential vulnerabilities - loneliness and detachment.

Yes,  I am perfectly aware how both the terms Solitude and Loneliness can be positive or negative based on the consequences of our mindset. Although there is a great difference between the two- solitude and loneliness, one cannot deny that they are like two sides of a coin.  For the most part, enjoying your own company may bring a sense of connect within yourself. But solitude can also be uncomfortable, awkward and scary if not handled with ease and understanding. 

We happen to stumble across the most interesting personalities in our everyday life. They can never be boxed into a particular mold surprising us with their way of being and living. If solitude can give you inner peace, calm and tranquility, being with the right company can make your life rich filled with experiences and moments to cherish. I wish that every one of us find our perfect tribe to blend in,  connect and enjoy the togetherness!